A method and a corresponding controller for the four-wheel drive of a motor vehicle are described, consisting of a clutch (AK) disposed in the drive train between a primary axle and a secondary axle (VA, HA) of the four-wheel drive, by means of which the drive torque of a primary axle (KHA, HA) driven by an engine (VKM, SG) can be distributed to a secondary axle (KVA, VA), wherein the controller (S) has a signal connection to the clutch (AK) and to sensors recording the revolution rates of at least one wheel of the primary axle (HA) and one wheel of the secondary axle (VA) and the clutch (AK) is controlled by means of the controller (S) below a specified torque such that a significantly reduced transfer of torque to the secondary axle (VA) is carried out.